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Our planet might be facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage individuals to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate those who protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the unique bond she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “Frankly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Present governance globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good so we have to really start reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with wildlife around us.”

Another key issue at present is the proliferation of false information. The theme of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that this honor will spur action. “It’s about motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, pointing to the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, helps young people get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about constructive efforts currently in progress.”